Croydon’s Joshua Buatsi signs long-term promotional deal with BOXXER

Joshua Buatsi has switched promotional company after being unveiled as BOXXER’s latest signing.

Croydon’s Olympian had been with Matchroom Boxing since stepping into the professional ranks.

But Buatsi has indicated that their decision to leave move to a streaming platform, all their shows on DAZN, had limited the amount of people seeing his fights.

Buatsi has signed a long-term contract with BOXXER and his fights will be screened on Sky Sports.

His first outing under them will be on a show in Birmingham on May 6.

Buatsi, 30, has not fought since outpointing Crystal Palace’s Craig ‘Spider’ Richards in May 2022.

“The most important thing for me was for people to have access to watching me,” said the unbeaten South Londoner. “My last fight with Spider was a hard fight, but I asked myself how many people watched it? I don’t think a lot of people saw it. For the blood and the sweat I shared in that fight, it’s important that people can watch it and have access to watch it.

“I’m top three in three of the governing bodies. It’s just about manoeuvring myself the right way so I can become mandatory. So if any of the champions say ‘Buatsi, let’s rock’ then I can say ‘no problem – talk to my promoter and team’. Let’s make it happen.

“There is not a specific name. I just want to get my hands on a belt.”

BOXXER CEO Ben Shalom said: “We just want to get moving. Josh boxed last May, it’s been a long time. I’ve seen a lot of rumours and noise that he doesn’t want to fight this person or that person. The reason he’s signed is because he wants those big fights and to be recognised when he achieves what he wants to achieve.”

For more information see www.boxxer.com

PICTURES: JAMIE MCPHILIMEY/BOXXER